USPSA which M&P 5inch to purchase

blueskiesPA · Aug 21, 2014

Hello--

I just did my first USPSA and would like to purchase a new M&P. I would like to get the 5 inch barrel and I am trying to figure out which one to get.

M&P9L Pro CORE

Or

M&P9 Pro

I am planning on just using irons, not sure what class that is but I am not going to trick this out. Some guys had red dots, muzzle brakes etc...I just want to be in the normal class.

My friend has one and put on the Apex spring? and he loves his trigger.

I just read this on this forum so not sure what to do?

**When I stripped the gun down to add an Apex sear, I was surprised to find that it had the old sear block housing with the small spring and plunger. My understanding is that S&W went with the new sear block housing in 2010 because of trigger issues. Anyway, S&W customer service confirmed that the gun was built in 2014 but they claimed it had the new sear block housing. I explained that it had the old housing since the Apex sear spring wouldn't fit. I was willing to send pictures.

Any info on which 9 to purchase and Apex system?

Thanks

poru_desu · Aug 21, 2014

to my understanding, the core is optics ready.
so i would go with the pro since your only using iron sights. why pay more, save moneys!

as for the old sear housing block issue, i would just pick up a ram kit from apex - problem solved(?)

as for which apex trigger system, up to you as to what you want to achieve and end use.

Bkreutz · Aug 21, 2014

I have a Compact, a 4.25" full size and a 5" Core, all in 9mm. When I bought the Core, my thought was "if I ever want to put an optic on it, it will be simple." I shot it for 6 months and then I put a Leupold Deltapoint on it, now the other pistols collect dust unless I'm shooting an IDPA match. I don't know how old you are but I was fighting aging eyes and trying to focus on iron sights with trifocal eyes, not fun. With an optic, all those problems are gone and I have a lot more fun. I shoot USPSA Open and have no illusions about competing with the hot shots in this class. I don't care, I just have fun and am happy I can still do it. People make a big deal out of having the latest and greatest item on their pistol. I have an Apex FSS kit with a polymer trigger because I don't like the S&W hinged trigger, and the FSS shortens the travel dramatically. I don't have the RAM because I don't shoot to the reset (too slow). I just shoot mine a lot (over 1000 rounds a week between matches and practice) and have fun doing it. IMO the difference in price between the Pro and Pro Core isn't significant enough not to get the Core, just for the flexibility.

blueskiesPA · Aug 21, 2014

Great thanks guys, I think I will purchase the Pro CORE in 5inch. I would like to play with the Deltapoint down the road so I think I will make one purchase and be done.

Another question.

44mag.com has 17round full size mags for $24.99 seems like a good deal, are these mags ok?

I know 44mag has a great rep. just wanted to see what you guys think.

AR-Getsome · Aug 21, 2014

blueskiesPA said:
Great thanks guys, I think I will purchase the Pro CORE in 5inch. I would like to play with the Deltapoint down the road so I think I will make one purchase and be done.

Another question.

44mag.com has 17round full size mags for $24.99 seems like a good deal, are these mags ok?

I know 44mag has a great rep. just wanted to see what you guys think.

No 44mag does not have a good rep. They price gouged last year. When they started coming back into stock, Midway sold them at regular price, 44mag had the for $99+. I haven't done business with them since then. Try Midway or Magazine- M&P 9mm Full Size at Quantico Tactical Forget about Botach. They also did the same.

Bkreutz · Aug 21, 2014

blueskiesPA said:
Great thanks guys, I think I will purchase the Pro CORE in 5inch. I would like to play with the Deltapoint down the road so I think I will make one purchase and be done.

When you buy the Deltapoint, get the cross slot model and not the "All mounts" model. The "all mounts" is not needed because the adapter plates come with the Core. Saves you some money that way. Also, look around there is a significant price variation between retailers.

falconman515 · Aug 21, 2014

I did the same thing ... didn't know if I should buy the 5" PRO or CORE.

But for the price difference to have the "option" at some point to add a reflex was Well worth it ... and in-fact I bought a FastFire III right after it arrived ... just seems like a no brainer to me if you ever think you may want to try an optic on your M&P.

Though if you are NOT going to use reflex the raised co-witness sights I would assume are not as good as the lower standard FO sights that come stock on the Pro version.

Anyone I think the CORE is overall the best choice.

Here is Mine!!! ..............

AGoyette · Aug 21, 2014

We have both the 5" Pro and the CORE. The husband got a deal on the CORE and he might want to put optics on it later. If you think you might want to put optics on the gun at a later point, get the CORE. If not, get the Pro. They are the same gun except the CORE is already milled out for optics. We shoot USPSA too. With no optic you will be in Limited class, with an optic you will be in Open class. I agree with Bkreutz, adding the Apex FSS kit with the polymer trigger is the way to go. The CORE had the competition kit in it when we bought it. It had lots of issues. Swapped out the competition kit for the FSS kit no issues since. If you want a lighter trigger pull do not replace the trigger spring. This is what I did with our 2 Pro's and the CORE. The trigger is fantastic with the Apex FSS kit in. If you get a new gun (2013 or 2014) then you will not need the RAM. It really is a personal choice. I don't shoot to reset and lets face it, you can't hear it reset when you are shooting anyway. Also a newer gun will have the larger sear block. All mine do and the eldest is a 2010 (I believe) model. The other Pro and the CORE are 2013 models.

blueskiesPA · Aug 21, 2014

Great info guys, thanks. A few more questions.

With the larger sights what kind of holster would you recommend for USPSA?

And would I be able to use the larger sights ok? I assume they will be fine.

Also with the larger sear block what is the difference with/when I put the Apex FSS kit in?

OKFC05 · Aug 21, 2014

One added point on USPSA. A Goyette told you the right info on Open and Limited Divisions. (Although it is fun to shoot with the optic in club matches, an M&P is not usually competitive at the upper levels of OPEN competition)
For PRODUCTION DIVISION, you cannot use optics, cannot use the FSS, and cannot use the competition holsters allowed in Open and Limited.
For Production, the Pro without the FSS and a Comp Tac or Blade Tech holster approved for IDPA would be just the ticket. I compete in production, and the 5" Pro sights are preferable to the CORE.
Descriptions of the various DIVISIONS are in the USPSA Rules.
USPSA Rules - United States Practical Shooting Association

Bkreutz · Aug 21, 2014

OKFC05 said:
One added point on USPSA. A Goyette told you the right info on Open and Limited Divisions. (Although it is fun to shoot with the optic in club matches, an M&P is not usually competitive at the upper levels of OPEN competition)
For PRODUCTION DIVISION, you cannot use optics, cannot use the FSS, and cannot use the competition holsters allowed in Open and Limited.
For Production, the Pro without the FSS and a Comp Tac or Blade Tech holster approved for IDPA would be just the ticket. I compete in production, and the 5" Pro sights are preferable to the CORE.
Descriptions of the various DIVISIONS are in the USPSA Rules.
USPSA Rules - United States Practical Shooting Association

I shoot USPSA Open, but the limiting factor is not the pistol.

, I wouldn't do any better with an STI 2011, I can't run through the stage like the young guys. It's still fun. And I shot Limited for about 6 months before I went Open and used the Core sights. I suppose the shorter sights would have been better, but again, it all depends on what you want to get out of it. The holster I use for daily carry and when I shoot Limited or ESP is pictured below. It's a Blade Tech Revolution made for the Compact but there is adequate clearance for the tall sights and an optic if you need it. The last pic is what I use in Open. I always liked the saying "It's not the arrow, it's the Indian!"

burttrans · Aug 23, 2014

I got the M&P Pro 9 will be picking it up Tuesday I have been out of town. Can't wait to get back and shoot USPSA Production with it next week

handgunner356 · Aug 24, 2014

I would probably go with whichever one I got the best deal on. Most of the divisions you would shoot don't allow optics so I wouldn't pay extra for the feature. Another thing you might want to consider is in Limited/Limited 10 the 9mm is scored minor compared to the 40. I've got both the 9 and 40 Pro that I've added the Apex sear and RAM, and use them in Limited with a Fobus Roto holster and mag pouches.

USPSA which M&P 5inch to purchase

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